THE HORROR CROWD screens online as part of the London Independent Film Festival 2021. Film And TV Now were delighted to speak with director Ruben Pla about the film and its’ production.
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FILM AND TV NOW: Where do you feel the key strengths and weaknesses of the horror genre are at present?
RUBEN PLA: The key strength is that horror has been brought into the new millennium. It tackles modern social issues and doesn’t shy away from exploring the questions affecting today’s society.
The weakness is that sometimes the actual scripts can be improved upon. I’m all about a strong, tight, three-act structure, and there are times when a film, in any genre, will meander and go off on tangents that are not relative to the structure and arc of the film.
FTVN: How long was your first cut of THE HORROR CROWD?
RP: Let me preface by saying that I started with 40 HOURS of footage. My first cut was around 3 hours, then I brought it down to 2 ½, 2, and then finally 92 minutes…and I loved every second of editing process.
FTVN: The film differs from some horror-themed documentaries in that it reflects on the more personal passions and lives of the participants. Were there any real surprising revelations from the people you interviewed?
RP: Thank you for noticing that. It was my intent all along to focus on the person behind the film-making, not the films, and to specifically focus on this group of people called THE HORROR CROWD.
Two revelations that come to mind are when director Mike Mendez recounts watching THE HILLS HAVE EYES (a very bloody film) at age 3. That really blew me away. He says it made him the film-maker he is today.
Another revelation was when actress Lin Shaye confesses she can be not-so-nice sometimes, a little jealous, which was pretty surprising because she is such a sweet person. Yes, some real interesting revelations in this film.
FTVN: How long did it take to shoot?
RP: Literally, a few weeks. That’s it. The only obstacle was wrangling and scheduling the 37 people in the film. The editing process, on the other hand, took months…which, again, I loved doing.
FTVN: How did you raise finance for the film?
RP: I self-financed it.
FTVN: One of the most common concerns from the moral brigade is about the depiction and impact of bloody gore and violence on society. Do you feel that there will always be this boundary and challenge to overcome when it comes to horror, given that the genre has become considerably more profitable recently with the likes of STEPHEN KING’S IT amongst the films that have been huge blockbusters?
RP: Of course there will always be that challenge. Not everyone can be a fan of violence and gore in film, and there’s nothing wrong with feeling that way. To each, his or her own. Some people like the more subtle, slow-burn, horror movies and some want to see heads chopped off. There’s room for both.
FTVN: Are there any horror-based subjects you’d like to feature in a future documentary and do you see THE HORROR CROWD as a start-off point?
RP: THE HORROR CROWD, as my feature-film directing debut, is definitely a start-off point, but I’m interested in both documentary and narrative films. I have several narrative film scripts that are ready to go, but I’m not averse to tackling another doc, whether it be focusing in on just one person this time around as opposed to 37, or a totally different genre. I love all genres…as long as the script is good.
FTVN: Which directors and films have impressed you the most in the horror genre recently and which of the classic titles do you still rate as the most important and influential of all time?
RP: Ari Aster did a great job with HEREDITARY. Really spooky film with great family dynamics explored.
Mike Flanagan’s GERALD’S GAME made me cringe, in a good way. Sang-ho Yeon’s TRAIN TO BUSAN was incredibly innovative. Just when you thought nothing new could be done with zombies, he puts them on a train!
And, of course, my friend James Wan has done great work. He’s especially good with the moody effect of horror, like INSIDIOUS, which is a great film…except for that guy who played the Doctor (me. LOL.)
As for the classic films, as I discuss in the opening of the documentary, DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, and THE WOLFMAN are very influential horror films from the Universal horror classics library, and then from the later films I like THE EXORCIST, JAWS, and ALIEN. I would throw THE SHINING in there too.
FTVN: What has been the overall reaction from the participants in the film?
RP: The participants seem to be very happy with the film. Their reason for doing it was to convey their thoughts on horror, and their passion for the genre, to the audience, and the film definitely does that.
FTVN: How has the festival circuit been for you in recent months, given the effect of lock-down and less physical involvement?
RP: Well, obviously, I would have loved for the festivals to have been live and me been there with the audience to experience their reactions to the film, but all of the feedback I’ve been getting from people who saw it virtually, audience and the festival staff themselves, has been positive. It seems to really speak to them.
FTVN: What issues and themes are you keen to explore through the horror genre in the future?
RP: I’m always about a tight, thrilling, and engaging story. It doesn’t matter the issue. I just want to see people being taken away by the material.
FTVN: How has the current global situation affected your development and evolution as a film-maker?
RP: It’s made me realize there are many new venues in which to reach an audience. Yes, live showings will always be great, but so many more people now want stories that can come into their homes and entertain them and make them think.
FTVN: Finally, what are you most proud of about THE HORROR CROWD?
RP: I am so proud of everyone who worked on the film, cast and crew alike, that gave their all to make this film a reality. I thank them all.
